Container intended for vacuum-storage of foods, cover, assembly comprising the container and the cover and system for vacuum-packing foods

ABSTRACT

A container intended for vacuum-storage of foods, including a tube for passing air, which is open at the two ends thereof; a cover for closing the container, the cover including means for connecting with the tube of the container, a channel for passing air extending between a first opening defined by the connection means and a second opening, a member for closing a channel, such as a valve, and a mechanism for opening an air passage between the first opening and another opening, such as the second opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 371 of PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/EP2018/059485 entitled CONTAINER INTENDED FOR VACUUM-STORAGE OFFOODS, COVER, ASSEMBLY COMPRISING THE CONTAINER AND THE COVER AND SYSTEMFOR VACUUM-PACKING FOODS, filed on Apr. 13, 2018 by inventorJen-François Bourrec. PCT Application No. PCT/EP2018/059485 claimspriority of French Patent Application No. 17 53286, filed on Apr. 14,2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a container intended for the vacuum-storage offoods, a cover for closing a container and an assembly comprising thecontainer and the cover. The invention also relates to a system forplacing foods under vacuum comprising such an assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the culinary field, the vacuum sealing technique is used increasinglyoften to store foods for as long as possible. This technique can becombined with freezing, so as to be able to keep foods for more than ayear and a half. In particular, the vacuum storage technique makes itpossible to prevent the oxidation of foods, wine, and other beverages,such as smoothies.

In addition to aspects related to storage, an increasingly large numberof professionals and individuals are using vacuum cooking techniques forfoods. This type of cooking consists of vacuum cooking the foods at alow temperature, for example in a double boiler or the microwave. Vacuumcooking in particular makes it possible to retain all of the nutritionalqualities, the texture and the flavor of the foods. Additionally, vacuumcooking makes it possible to obtain a more tender, juicy and uniformcooking of meats and fish than in traditional cooking methods, such asin a pan or on a grill, without risk of overcooking or burning.Furthermore, by heating meats and poultry to a high temperature, thesaturated fats are released from the chemical compounds, which can betoxic for one's health, and in particular carcinogenic.

Currently, flexible hermetic pouches made from plastic are essentiallyused for the vacuum storage of food. Dedicated machines make it possibleto create the vacuum inside the pouch containing the foods, then to sealthe pouch, that is to say, to hermetically seal the pouch after welding.These machines are relatively bulky and sometimes lack efficiency, thatis to say, air bubbles may remain stuck inside the pouches.Additionally, the pouches are not suitable for storing liquids or disheswith sauce.

Furthermore, according to recent surveys, in France, more than 35% ofweekday mid-day meals are consumed by employees at their workplace. Thefoods are then kept and transported to the workplace in plastic boxes.This type of container is therefore not compatible with vacuum cooking.Additionally, the foods vacuum sealed in pouches are generally not takento work because this requires also providing a plate or bowl to pour thecontents of the pouch.

Lastly, the plastic pouches currently used are thrown away after eachuse, which is not ecologically friendly.

Furthermore, there is a vacuum system comprising, on the one hand, avacuum pump, and on the other hand, a container closed with a cover. Tocreate a vacuum inside the container, the user must connect a flexiblehose between the vacuum pump and an upper part of the cover, using aspecific coupling element. This type of system is not ergonomic, that isto say, not practical to use, since a series of manual operations isnecessary to create the vacuum inside the container.

The invention more particularly aims to resolve these drawbacks byproposing an improved container and cover.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

To that end, the invention relates to a container intended for thevacuum storage of foods, comprising a tube for passing air, which isopen at the two ends thereof. In this way, the air passes through thetube when the vacuum is created inside the container.

DE 12 16 770 B discloses a system for vacuum packaging foods. Thissystem comprises a container provided with a flexible cover. Thecontainer comprises, at the center, a tube open at the two ends thereof.To create the vacuum inside the container, a punch is inserted frombelow, inside the tube. The punch has two longitudinal recesses alongwhich the air can circulate. A vacuum pump is used to extract the airfrom the container toward the recesses. When the vacuum has beencreated, the punch is removed and the cover deforms to close the orificeof the tube due to the pressure difference between the inside and theoutside of the container.

WO 2017/042801 discloses another system for vacuum storage of foods.This document discloses several embodiments, including that of FIG. 6.In this embodiment, there is a cylindrical container, provided with acover. The cover comprises a tube open at the two ends thereof. The tubeis connected, by its lower end, to a port connected to a vacuum pumpand, by its upper end, to a bag containing foods.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,317 relates to another device for vacuum storage offoods. This device comprises a standard container and a cover speciallyadapted for placement under vacuum. The cover comprises a first orificeopen on the inside of the container and a second orifice open on theoutside. The second orifice is configured to be connected to a vacuumpump. A valve system makes it possible to open the passage between thetwo orifices only when a vacuum is created inside the container, that isto say, when the pump is connected. As shown in FIG. 3A, the cover doesnot comprise connection means with a tube of the container, which islogical because the container itself does not comprise tubes.

According to advantageous but optional aspects of the invention, such acontainer may incorporate one or more of the following features,considered in any technically allowable combination:

-   -   The tube extends inside the container, in particular from the        bottom of the container along a direction perpendicular to the        bottom.    -   The tube extends past an overflow level of the container, this        overflow level being defined when the container is placed in        position on a flat surface. This particular arrangement makes it        possible to prevent foods from penetrating the tube, even if the        user accidentally fills the container to the brim. One thus        ensures the proper working of the pump.    -   It extends near a wall of the container or is formed in part by        a wall of the container.    -   The container is manufactured from glass or from an inert        plastic material able to absorb thermal shocks.    -   The container comprises a filling opening.    -   The filling opening is inclined relative to the bottom of the        container.    -   The tube is in one piece with the walls of the container.    -   The tube is straight.

The invention also relates to a cover for closing the container aspreviously defined. This cover comprises a means for connecting with thetube of the container, a channel for passing air extending between afirst orifice defined by the connecting means and a second orifice, amember for closing a channel, such as a valve, and a mechanism foropening an air passage between the first orifice and another orifice,such as the second orifice.

The specific arrangement of the cover, with a means for connecting withthe tube, makes it possible to perform suction through the bottom of thecontainer, in particular at a support on which the container is placed.There is therefore no need to connect a pump on top of the cover, whichis most practical. To create a vacuum, the user simply needs to positionthe container on the base, and to actuate the pump housed in the base.

According to advantageous but optional aspects of the invention, such acover may incorporate one or more of the following features, consideredin any technically allowable combination:

-   -   The first orifice and the other orifice, in particular the        second orifice, are arranged on the same side of the cover. In        particular, these two orifices are arranged on the inner side of        the cover, that is to say, on the side that faces toward the        bottom of the container when the cover is positioned on the        container.    -   The mechanism is manual.    -   The mechanism comprises a tight pushbutton.    -   The cover is made from plastic, in particular a heat-stable        plastic. Alternatively, the cover is made from high-temperature        and high-density silicone, to be able to be placed in the oven        and withstand the mechanical stresses related to placement under        vacuum.    -   The closing member is configured to open the channel        automatically only when the pressure between the closing member        and the first orifice is lower than the pressure between the        closing member and the second orifice.    -   The air passage is a pipe parallel to the channel or separate        from the channel.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a container and acover as described above. This assembly forms a device intended forvacuum storage of foods that is more practical to transport, reusableand suitable for the storage of both solid and liquid foods.

Advantageously, this assembly comprises a pipe for emptying air from thecontainer, this pipe comprising a first end open on the inside of thecontainer and a second end open on the outside of the container. Thefirst end is formed by the second orifice of the cover. The tube forms afirst segment of the pipe. The channel forms two other segments of thepipe.

In the example, the closing member is configured to open the pipeautomatically only when the pressure in the pipe between the closingmember and the second end is lower than the pressure inside thecontainer.

Here, the mechanism used to open an air passage between the firstorifice and the second orifice makes it possible to open the containermanually, by causing the air to enter at atmospheric pressure inside thecontainer.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to arrange any type of food,solid or liquid, inside the container. Next, the container is closedwith the cover and it is possible to create the vacuum in the container.When the vacuum is created, the device can be stored in therefrigerator, the freezer or on a shelf, depending on the type of foodstored. Owing to the pressurization mechanism, air can be made to enterinside the container at atmospheric pressure, so as to be able to openthe cover.

The invention also relates to a system for vacuum storing food,comprising an assembly as previously described, and a base, comprising avacuum pump for creating a vacuum inside the container, by creating avacuum inside the pipe, between the closing member and the second end.This vacuum system is more compact than those of the prior art and moreergonomic.

Owing to this system, the vacuum can be created simply by placing thedevice on the base and actuating the pump. It will therefore beunderstood that the system is easy to use and very compact since thereare not, like in the prior art, two separate entities to be connectedusing a flexible hose.

Advantageously, the base comprises a means for weighing the food insidethe container.

Advantageously, the base comprises a pressure sensor upstream from thepump and an electronic control unit of the pump, programmed to stop thepumping when the pressure measured by the sensor drops below a certainthreshold and in which the base preferably comprises a means forweighing the food inside the container.

Preferably, the vacuum pump is reversible and can therefore work as acompressor in order to inject a gas inside the container, while the basefurther comprises a molecular filter capable of filtering the oxygenmolecules of the air, such that the container can be filled with thenitrogen from the air only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly inlight of the following description of two embodiments according to itsprinciple, provided solely as an example and done in reference to theappended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a system for vacuum storage offoods, comprising a container and a cover according to the invention anda base,

FIG. 2 detail view of the base,

FIG. 3 is a detail sectional view of the cover,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3, in which the container(closed) is pressurized at atmospheric pressure, so as to be able toremove the cover,

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a variant of the mechanism used to pressurize thecontainer, and in particular a variant of the pushbutton that can beactuated from the outside of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of a system 1 for vacuum storage offoods. The foods are not shown in the figures, but can be of any type:solids, liquids, raw, cooked, etc. The system 1 comprises a base 8 andan assembly comprising a container 4 intended to receive the foods and aremovable cover 6 for closing the container 4. This assembly forms adevice 2 for vacuum storage of the foods. This device 2 is intended tobe mounted on the base 8 so as to create the vacuum inside the container4.

Advantageously, the container 4 is made from a rigid material, inparticular glass, so as to be able to be placed in the dishwasher andthe oven. It will therefore be understood that the container may not bea flexible pouch, as currently exists on the market.

In a variant, the container 4 may also be made from a food-safe plasticmaterial capable of absorbing thermal shocks. Preferably, this plasticmaterial is a food-safe plastic that is non-toxic for health, andpreferably inert. This means that the material used is devoid of harmfulor toxic substances.

Preferably, the cover 6 is made from plastic, in particular aheat-stable plastic. This means that the plastic material making up thecover 6 comprises additives to accentuate the heat resistance thereof.These additives are in fact heat stabilizers, which are well known inthe materials field. Thus, the cover 6 withstands, inter alia, thepassage of the device 2 in the oven or the dishwasher. Furthermore, theplastic material making up the cover may be provided to be non-toxic(food-safe plastic), for example inert. Alternatively, the cover 6 ismade from high-temperature and high-density silicone, to be able to beplaced in the oven and withstand the mechanical stresses related toplacement under vacuum.

Unlike the food-safe vacuum pouches of the prior art, the device forstoring foods 2 can be placed in the oven, which allows cooks to use avacuum cooking method.

The container 4 comprises a bottom 40 from which four walls extendparallel in pairs. These four walls together define the reception spacefor the foods. In the upper part, that is to say, opposite the bottom40, the container 4 delimits an opening making it possible to fill thecontainer 4 with foods from above. In the example, the container 4 has arectangular section. However, in a variant, it is possible to imagine acircular section, for example.

The device 2 comprises a pipe 5 for emptying the air from the container4. This means that once the vacuum has been created inside the container4, the air inside the container 4 is discharged through the pipe 5.Here, the pipe 5 therefore has a passage followed by the air presentinside the container when the container is depressurized. The pipe 5 cantherefore be considered a volume of air or vacuum, that is to say,something immaterial, untouchable (hole, hollow, etc.).

The pipe 5 comprises a first end 50, in particular visible in FIG. 3,which is open on the inside of the container 4 and a second end 52,visible in particular in FIG. 1, which is open on the outside of thecontainer 4. In the example, the second end 52 is open on the bottom ofthe container 4.

Preferably, the container 4 comprises a tube 46 forming a segment 5.1 ofthe pipe 5. Here, the tube 46 forms only one segment of the pipe, thatis to say, the pipe is not formed in its entirety by the tube 46. Thetube 46 extends inside the container 4. The tube 46 is in one piece withthe walls of the container 4, in particular with the bottom wall 40 ofthe container.

Advantageously, the tube 46 is nested, at one end, around a connectingendpiece 81 of the base 8, protruding upward relative to the rest of thebase 8 and, at the other end, in a complementary endpiece 60 of thecover 6, protruding downward relative to the rest of the cover 6. Theendpiece 60 forms a connecting means with the tube 46 of the container4. These endpieces 60 and 81 make it possible to guarantee tightconnections, but remain optional, in that the tightness can be obtaineddifferently.

Preferably, the tube 46 is straight.

The tube 46 advantageously extends from the bottom 40 of the container 4along a direction perpendicular to the bottom 40.

It will therefore be understood that the container 4 of the device 2according to the invention is innovative and original in itself, sincethis type of container does not exist in the prior art. Morespecifically, the container 4 is a container made from a rigid material,which is intended for the vacuum storage of foods and which is specificin that it comprises a tube 46 open at the two ends thereof andconfigured to allow the discharge of the air to the outside of thecontainer 4 when the vacuum is created inside the container.

A level 44 is defined as the overflow level of the container 4. This isthe filling limit of the container 4, without the contents overflowingthe container 4, assuming, of course, that the container 4 is placed ona horizontal surface. In the example, the tube 46 extends past theoverflow level 44. One thus ensures that the foods contained in thecontainer 4 do not overflow the inside of the tube 46, which must remainempty.

In the example, the tube 46 does not protrude to the outside of thecontainer 4, which is to say, upward relative to the upper opening ofthe container 4. Effectively, the filling opening of the container 44 isinclined relative to the bottom of the container 40. In other words, thecontainer 4 has a variable height. More specifically, among the fourside walls of the container 4, two have a different height, the othertwo having a variable height.

Preferably, the tube 46 extends near a wall 4.1 of the container 4, inparticular near the highest wall 4.1 of the container 4, to exceed theoverflow level 44. By positioning the tube 46 near the wall 4.1, onelimits the risk of the latter receiving a blow or impact. The tube 46 istherefore less exposed to impacts than if it were positioned at thecenter of the container 4, for example, and therefore less fragile.

In the example, the end 52 of the pipe 5 used to empty the air from thecontainer 4 is in fact the lower end of the tube 46, arranged at thebottom 40 of the container 4.

The cover 6 is generally corner-shaped, with an incline angle identicalto that of the opening of the container 4, such that, when the cover 6is placed on the container, the assembly, that is to say, the device 2,has a substantially cubic shape, or at least parallelepiped.

The device 2 comprises a member 66 for closing the pipe 5, configured toopen the pipe 5 automatically when a vacuum occurs in the pipe betweenthe closing member 66 and the second end 52 of the pipe.

The pipe 5 is said to be in the closed state when the closing member 66opposes the passage of air between the first end 50 and the second end52 of the pipe 5 and the pipe 5 is in the open state when the closingmember 66 does not oppose the passage of air between the first end 50and the second end 52 of the pipe 5.

Here, the closing member is a pivoting valve 66. The valve 66 is housedin the cover 6 and provides the separation between a segment 5.2 of thepipe 5 that is adjacent to the segment 5.1 and a segment 5.3 emerginginside the container 4. The segment 5.2 is arranged upstream from thetube 46 on the path of the air during the vacuum operation. Reference 68designates the pivot axis of the valve 66.

Segments 5.2 and 5.3 together designate an air passage channel throughthe cover 6. This channel extends between a first orifice 61 defined bythe connection means 60 and a second orifice, different from the firstorifice 61, that in fact corresponds to the end 50 of the pipe 5 open onthe inside of the container 4. Thus, the member 66 can be considered tobe a closing member of the channel: the closing member 66 is configuredto open the channel (5.2, 5.3) automatically only when the pressurebetween the closing member 66 and the first orifice 61, that is to say,in the segment 5.2, is lower than the pressure in the channel betweenthe closing member 66 and the second orifice (50), that is to say, inthe segment 5.3.

Advantageously, due to its geometry, the valve 66 can only pivot in onedirection around the axis 68. In particular, the valve 66 is arranged soas to pivot only when the pressure in the segment 5.2 (between the valve66 and the second end 52) is below the pressure in the segment 5.3, thatis to say, the pressure in the container 4. In other words, when thepressure in the segment 5.2 is above the pressure in the segment 5.3,that is to say, when the vacuum is created in the container 4, the valve66 then remains closed completely tightly. The pressure differencebetween the atmospheric pressure outside the container 4, which is closeto 1 bar, and the pressure inside the container, which is close to 0bars, therefore does not cause the valve 66 to open.

The movement of the valve 66 is controlled entirely by the pressuredifferential on either side of the valve. Thus, when a vacuum is createdin the pipe 5, between the closing member 66 and the second end 52, thatis to say, when the vacuum is created, then the valve 66 pivotsautomatically due to the pressure forces applied on either side, asshown by arrow F1 in FIG. 3. The valve 66 then finds itself back in theposition shown in thin lines and the air can circulate from the end 50to the end 52, as shown by the arrows in thick lines in FIG. 3. In thisway, one is capable of removing the air inside the container 4.

Once the vacuum operation is complete, the atmospheric pressure prevailsinside the segments 5.1 and 5.2 of the pipe 5, since the end 52 remainsopen on the outside. Conversely, the vacuum prevails inside the pipesegment 5.3 upstream from the valve 66.

Advantageously, a filter 70 is arranged upstream from the closing member66 on the path of the air when the vacuum is created inside thecontainer. This filter 70 serves to filter the particles and vaporspresent inside the container. In the example, the filter 70 is arrangedat the end 50 of the pipe open on the inside of the container 4. Thisfilter 70 can be provided to be removable, so as to allow it to becleaned, or replaced.

The food storage device 2 necessarily comprises a mechanism for openingthe container 4 manually when the vacuum is created inside the latter.Effectively, the pressure difference between the inside and the outsideof the container 4 makes maneuvering the cover impossible. To open thecontainer, the mechanism is therefore actuated to cause air to enter, atatmospheric pressure, inside the container 4. Owing to this mechanism,the user can pressurize the container 4 again at atmospheric pressure,so as to be able to remove the cover 6 and access the foods storedinside the container 4. The mechanism can therefore be described aspressurization (or “re-pressurization”) mechanism of the container.

Advantageously, this mechanism is part of the cover 6.

The mechanism comprises a pushbutton 62. The button 62 is provided onthe upper surface of the cover 6. In the example, it is a resilientlydeformable button, for example made from rubber, that is assembledtightly with the rest of the cover 6. The use of a pushbutton makesmaneuvering easier than a pull tab system. Furthermore, owing to thetight nature of the button 62, elements outside the container 4 areprevented from penetrating inside the latter, which is practical for theuser, since the latter does not have to wash his hands before pressingthe button. This meets a real need for users, who often have dirty handswhen they cook.

A rigid rod 72 is connected to one end of the pushbutton 62. The rigidrod 72 moves downward when the button 62 is pushed in. At the other end,the rod 72 is connected to a connecting rod 76 that is articulatedaround a central axis 78. The connecting rod 76 is articulated with astopper 74, configured to selectively close off a pipe 64 communicatingwith the segment 5.2 of the pipe 5 arranged in the cover 6. The pipe 64is therefore a bypass of the segment 5.2 of the pipe arranged downstreamfrom the valve 66 during placement under vacuum.

The mechanism therefore makes it possible to open an air passage (bypasspipe 64) between the first orifice (61) and another orifice, in the caseat hand the second orifice (50) of the container 4. In the example, thisair passage passes around the closing member 66 and therefore is notpart of the pipe 5. More specifically, this air passage can beinterpreted as a pipe parallel to the channel, since it also extendsbetween the first orifice 61 and the second orifice, but along adifferent path from that of the channel (5.2, 5.3).

As shown in FIG. 4, when the button 62 is pushed in, the rod 72 movesdown and pivots the connecting rod 76 (see arrows F2), which results inraising the stopper 74 by lever effect and opening the communicationbetween the pipe segment 5.3 and the bypass pipe 64, which is atatmospheric pressure. The air at atmospheric pressure in the tube 46then penetrates inside the container 4, which results in pressurizingthe container 4 at atmospheric pressure. The cover 6 can then be removedmanually without force.

The button 62 returns resiliently into the configuration of FIG. 3, byresilient return of the component material of the button 62.

The base 8 comprises a reception surface of the device 2, that is tosay, of the container 4 closed by the cover 6. The base 8 also comprisesa vacuum pump 84 for creating a vacuum inside the container 4, creatinga vacuum inside the pipe 5 between the closing member 66 and the secondend 52 of the pipe 5, that is to say, in the segments 5.1 and 5.2. Inparticular, when the device 2 is positioned on the base 8, the end 52 ofthe tube 46 is fitted around the connecting endpiece 81 of the base 8.

In the example, the base 8 comprises a means 94 for weighing the foodinside the container 4, that is to say, a scale.

The base 8 also comprises an on/off button 80 for activating the pump 84and an electronic unit 92 for controlling the pump 84.

To create a vacuum inside the container 4, one simply positions thecontainer 4, closed and filled with foods, on the base 8 and actuatesthe pump 84, in particular by pressing on the On/Off button 80. TheOn/Off button is optional, in that the pump could be triggered once themeans 94, that is to say, the weight sensor, detects that the device 2is positioned on the base 8.

A pressure sensor 90 is provided upstream from the pump 84, that is tosay, on the side of the suction. The pressure sensor 90 dynamicallysends the pressure prevailing in the pipe 5 of the device 2, andtherefore as a result the pressure inside the container 4. When thispressure drops below a certain threshold, the electronic control unit 92commands the stopping of the pump 84. This makes it possible to avoidrunning the pump 84 unendingly. This threshold is a predeterminedthreshold. In a variant, however, it is possible to imagine a variablethreshold based on the vacuum level required for optimal food storage.

Preferably, the base 8 comprises, on its lower surface, nonskid pads 86also making it possible to raise the base 8 slightly relative to thesurface on which it is placed, and to discharge air extracted by thevacuum pump 84 easily.

Advantageously, the base 8 can be described as “connected” (or“communicating”), inasmuch as it comprises means 82 for connecting withanother connected object. It can also involve a smart mobile telephone,such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a smartwatch.

In the example, the connecting means 82 are of the wireless type, and inparticular comprise a Wi-Fi antenna. In a variant, however, it ispossible to consider a radio or Bluetooth connection.

The Wi-Fi antenna 82 is configured to send the smartphone the date onwhich the foods were vacuum sealed and the weight of the foods containedin the container 4. The smartphone has a dedicated application, owing towhich the user is able to assign the type of foods stored in thecontainer. Additionally, the container 4 can include a marking, inparticular a number, that the user can assign as input data in theapplication. With this type of application, it is possible to establishan alarm system to warn the user of an imminent expiration date offoodstuffs contained in the container 4 and to inform the user whichcontainer is involved, that is to say, the number of the correspondingcontainer. In the example, the user assigns an expiration date manually.This date can also be calculated by default, for example by adding 1month to the vacuum sealing date.

This makes it possible to remind the user that the foods may expire, andthat they should therefore be eaten or frozen.

Preferably, the cover 6 is also “connected”. This means that the coveralso comprises a means, preferably wireless, for communicating withanother connected object. In the example, this means is an RFID chip(not shown), which is integrated into the cover 6 and which is capableof communicating with the household appliances in the house, such as theoven, the refrigerator, the freezer, etc.

For example, in the case where the device 2 is stored inside a connectedrefrigerator, the user can, by consulting the control panel of therefrigerator, or his smartphone directly, identify that the refrigeratorcontains the device 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the invention, in which thedeformable pushbutton is replaced by a pushbutton 62′, of the rigidtype, which is a sliding button. To that end, a tight membrane 63 isfastened below the button 62′. This membrane 63 deforms when one presses(see force F3 in FIG. 6) on the button 62′ and maintains the sealing ofthe button.

The button 62′ returns resiliently into the configuration of FIG. 5, byresilient return of the membrane 63.

In a variant that is not shown, the cover 6 is not removable, but forexample articulated relative to the container 4.

According to another variant that is not shown, the tube 46 could have arectangular section. Additionally, one or two sides of the tube 46 couldbe formed by the very walls of the container 4. In particular, the tube46 could extend to a corner of the container 4.

According to another variant that is not shown, the end 52 of the pipe 5could be provided at one of the side walls of the container, for exampleat the wall 4.1, and the base 8 could therefore be positioned next tothe container 4. This means that the invention is not limited to theembodiment where the base 8 is positioned below the container 4. Thisalso means that, within the meaning of the invention, the tube 46 is notnecessarily straight: it may also be bent or curved.

According to another variant that is not shown, the container 4 is madefrom stainless steel. In particular, the walls (made from glass orstainless steel) of the container 4 can be lined and separated by aninsulating air knife. Thus, the container 4 makes it possible to keepthe foods hot (or cold) for a certain amount of time, which is practicalwhen one does not have means for reheating the foods (picnic, snacks,etc.).

According to another variant that is not shown, a filter is also placedupstream from the pump 84, so as to avoid premature dirtying of thecomponent members of the pump 84. This filter can be provided to beremovable, so as to allow it to be cleaned, or replaced.

According to another variant that is not shown, the tube 46 is outsidethe container 4, that is to say, outside the volume defined between thewalls of the container. In this case, the cover 6 extends past theopening of the container so as to be able to connect with the tube 46.For example, the tube 46 can be attached to the outer surface of a wallof the container 4 (glued, welded, etc.) or form one piece with the wallof the container.

According to another variant that is not shown, the container 4 can becompartmentalized, like a meal tray or a Bento box.

According to another variant that is not shown, the cover 6 may comprisea third orifice, different from the orifices 61 and 50. In particular,the bypass pipe 64 could emerge at this third orifice. In this case, theair passage (bypass pipe 64) is separate from the channel (5.1, 5.3).

According to another variant that is not shown, the connection means 60is simply formed by an orifice in which the tube 46 penetrates, that isto say, there is no protruding endpiece.

According to another variant that is not shown, the vacuum pump 84 isreversible and can therefore work as a compressor so as no longer toextract the air contained in the container 4, but to inject a gas insidethe container 4. The base 8 further comprises a molecular filter capableof filtering the oxygen molecules of the air, such that the container 4can be filled with the nitrogen from the air only. The principleconsists of replacing the air contained in the container 4, naturallyfilled with bacteria, with a neutral and natural gas, such as nitrogen.This is referred to as a method for placement under a protectiveatmosphere or modified atmosphere. This method makes it possible to slowbacterial development inside the container 4, and to preserve theproduct contained inside the container from the effects of aging. Thistype of packaging is suitable for all types of products such as fish,prepared dishes, cut vegetables, charcuterie, etc. Obviously, themolecular filter responsible for filtering the oxygen molecules isplaced on a different pipe from that used by the air during creation ofthe vacuum. A relatively basic valve system makes it possible to suctionthe ambient air inside the correct pipe, to prevent any bypass of themolecular filter during the placement under conditioned atmosphere. Theadvantage of using nitrogen is that this gas is already contained in theair, and there is therefore no need to provide a separate gas cartridge.

The features of the embodiments and alternatives considered above can becombined to create new embodiments of the invention.

1. A container intended for the vacuum storage of foods, comprising atube for passing air, which is open at the two ends thereof and extendspast an overflow level of the container.
 2. The container according toclaim 1, wherein said tube extends inside the container.
 3. Thecontainer according to claim 1, wherein the container further comprisesa filling opening that is inclined relative to the bottom of thecontainer.
 4. The container according to claim 1, wherein said tubeextends near a wall of the container or is formed in part by a wall ofthe container.
 5. The container according to claim 1, wherein thecontainer is manufactured from glass or from an inert plastic materialable to absorb thermal shocks.
 6. A cover for closing a containerintended for the vacuum storage of foods, the container comprising atube for passing air, which is open at the two ends thereof, the covercomprising: connecting means with the tube of the container; a channelfor passing air extending between a first orifice defined by saidconnecting means and a second orifice; a closing member for closing saidchannel; and a mechanism for opening an air passage between the firstorifice and the second orifice.
 7. An assembly comprising a containerintended for the vacuum storage of foods, the container comprising: atube for passing air, which is open at the two ends thereof, thereof;and a cover according to claim
 6. 8. The assembly according to claim 7,further comprising a pipe for emptying air from said container, the pipecomprising: a first end open on the inside of said container; and asecond end open on the outside of said container, wherein said first endis formed by the second orifice (50) of said cover, said tube forms afirst segment of said pipe, and the channel forms two other segments ofsaid pipe.
 9. A system for vacuum storing food, comprising comprising:an assembly according to claim 8; and a base, comprising a vacuum pumpfor creating a vacuum inside the container, by creating a vacuum insidethe pipe, between the closing member and the second end.
 10. The systemaccording to claim 9, wherein the said base further comprises: apressure sensor upstream from said vacuum pump; and an electroniccontrol unit of said vacuum pump, programmed to stop the pumping whenthe pressure measured by said pressure sensor drops below a certainthreshold; and means for weighing food inside the container.
 11. Thesystem according to claim 9, wherein said vacuum pump is reversible andis therefore adapted to work as a compressor in order to inject a gasinside the container, and wherein said base further comprises amolecular filter capable of filtering the oxygen molecules of the air,such that the container can be filled with the nitrogen from the aironly.
 12. The container according to claim 2, wherein said tube extendsfrom the bottom of the container along a direction perpendicular to thebottom.